Sage Advice From Strawberry: 27 Years After His MLB Debut

Can you believe it? This spring, actually May 6, 2010, will mark the 27 anniversary of Darryl Eugene Strawberry's first game as a Met. I was at his first game at Shea, and it was truly amazing. Standing ovations for every at bat...he struck out three times. He was not only electric, but he was expected to be that way.

We all know of Darryl's troubles, and I have personally scribed about them. I always loved Darryl, but like with some many Mets and baseball fans, we are left with “What if?” What if he didn't have the careless attitude off the field? What if he worked harder on his defense? What if he never took that first drink, that first snort, that first toke? What if?

Here we are now in 2010, and thankfully Darryl has his life in order. He seems content, contrite, and truly comfortable with himself. Throughout his long studies and doctorate from the School Of Hard Knocks, Darryl has some advice for the Mets latest phenom, Ike Davis.

With the wonderful reviews Davis received from his play in the minors last season (2009) and his terrific play in the AFL this Fall, Strawberry is reminded of himself, being called “black Ted Williams.”

Strawberry, not knowing Davis well said this about the youngsters preparedness for the pros:

"But he probably is more ready than I was. But no matter where you came from or what you've experienced, you're probably not ready for what's coming. There's a lot of stuff that can get in your way,"

Strawberry reflecting said:

"You have to learn to deal with the expectations and the responsibility. I learned after some of my skills were gone. Now, I'm a little wiser."

Although Strawberry hasn't been asked by the Mets to reach out to Davis, he said he would be willing to do so.

"I tell any young player in New York or anywhere, 'Look to the other side of town, to the guy playing shortstop with the Yankees. See how he does it. Look at Derek Jeter, his character. That's class.'

"I can tell them what I did, but that's telling 'em what you shouldn't do. I think it's better to show them something positive and Derek ... he's an example of what you should be. Not many have excelled like he has and achieved what he's done. And you never hear or read about him doing anything wrong.

"David [Wright] is the same way. He stays out of it and deals with all the pressure without getting himself in trouble. David had to deal with some tough times last year. He had to make adjustments. It's not easy the first time you don't have the success you're used to."

Concluding, Strawberry said:

"You have to know how to handle it. Everyone needs some guidance. I had Jimmy Frey [a Mets coach in 1983]. He helped me prepare, and he helped deal with it. I remember the last day of my rookie season, Jimmy said, 'OK kid, I don't think I'll be around next year. But you've got your foot in the door.' He helped me a lot. And I like helping guys now ... if I can do the same thing for them.

"If he wants ... if the Mets want, I'll be there for Mr. Davis."

I have been holding onto this story for well over a month. I wanted to make sure I would be able to give it the due justice it deserves. Hopefully I succeeded.

Thanks go out to Marty Noble - MLB.com for this great article of a great Met